Welcome back for the 6th month of the 2018 Quilter’s Planner Block of the Month Sampler Sew Along!  

This month, we are working on Block 6 (page 32-33) in the Quilter’s Planner Magazine).  Block 6 uses half-square triangles (HST) to create a block with nested hourglass shapes.

Quilter's Planner Block of the Month June 2018

For our Block 6, we used the following feature fabrics by Alison Glass for Andover:  Pearl in Cerise from Diving Board, Depths in Rubellite from Sun Print 2018, and Diatom in Iris and Parakeet from Sun Print 2018.

QP Insider Tip #1:

This block is almost entirely made from HST which we have encountered several times before, but this is the first time we are squaring them down to 3½”.  The method to construct and square them is the same that we’ve used for past blocks, it’s just going to be a bit smaller.   For more information on how to make my favorite fast Half Square Triangles, you can watch my video about Lee Heinrich’s method.

QP Insider Tip #2:

The HSTs in Block 6 have more points that match, so there is a bit more bulk under the seams.  Let the arrows marked in the diagrams in the magazine help you! They will show you which direction to press your seams to reduce some of the bulk.

QP Insider Tip #3:

Have you ever tried marking your stitching line rather than marking the diagonal line through the square (and then aligning the foot of your machine to sew ¼” away from the edge)?  It takes longer because you are marking twice, but it may be easier to maintain a straight line if you are stitching on it. This method also works great for quilting too. My word of caution is to ALWAYS pre-test your fabric and marking method BEFORE you are going to use it in a project to make sure that it is removable.  There are a variety of products available including chalk wheels, water erasable pens, air erasable pens, pencils, and Hera Markers.  

QP Insider Tip #4:

If you’ve chosen to follow the Modern Bliss layout, there is only 1 version of Block 6 in the quilt pictured on the cover of the magazine (the middle block on the 6th row).  Also, don’t forget that the Modern Bliss layout uses blocks set on point (rotated 45 degrees), so that may be something to consider when selecting fabrics.

QP Insider Tip #5:

We’ve reached the halfway point which means that there is an extra prize!  Post a pic of all 6 of your blocks together on Instagram or Facebook (if you have duplicate blocks, you do not need to post all of them, just make sure you have at least one from each of the first 6 months) between June 15 and July 5 (at the same 12:01 am Central time).  

Even if you’ve already won one of the monthly prizes, you are eligible for this drawing. To make it easier for us to track, please use this special hashtag – #QP2018sewalong6mo for the extra prize.

Sew Along Entry Guidelines for Prize Eligibility

Guidelines to enter your sewn blocks into our monthly challenge (win prizes on Instagram and Facebook):

Between the 1st and the 7th day of each month, you’ll find the pattern for that month’s block and select your fabrics.

Between the 8th and the 14th, you’ll get your fabrics prepped and cut.

Between the 15th and the end of the month, sew up your block and post it to Instagram (please tag @thequiltersplanner and use the #QP2018sewalong hashtag) and/or to the Facebook Group (using the same #QP2018sewalong hashtag).  We will have prizes for both, but you are only eligible to win the monthly prize once.

 

Rules for for Entering your Sewn Blocks to Win Prizes Online:

 

When you post a photo of your block on Instagram or in our Facebook group by each deadline set for the month (usually the first of the next month),  you’ll be entered into a drawing for some great prizes from our sponsors: Andover Fabrics, Aurifil, OLFA, and the Quilter’s Planner.

 

Each month’s entry must be posted by 12:01 am Central Time to be eligible.

 

You MUST tag @thequiltersplanner on IG or post your block in our Facebook group with your entry and use the hashtag #QP2018sewalong (please be sure to use the hashtag on Instagram AND Facebook) so we can track your entry.

 

If you win one month’s prize, you will be eligible to win again at 6 months and 12 months, if you complete and enter each month’s block on time.

 

Some prizes may not be available for participants outside the US due to shipping costs.  Winners will be contacted via social media and asked to provide an email address and shipping address.

 

If a prize alternative is required, it will be sent via email.

 

If you do not receive your prize within one month, please contact us at [email protected] so we can contact prize sponsors and help coordinate a new shipment.

 

These contests are not affiliated with Instagram or Facebook in any way.

 

General Tips for Sewing the 2018 QP Block of the Month Pattern:

 

Fabric requirements are listed for the whole project on p. 26 of the pattern magazine.  They are also listed per block, if you do not plan to sew the entire sampler.

 

Along the way, we will provide you with tips and tricks on Instagram, in our Facebook group, and via email for success and to answer your questions as they arise.  

 

If you’re worried about missing Sew Along dates, we’ve got you covered – reminders will be posted on Instagram, on our Facebook page, and in our Facebook group as we move through the different phases of the Sew Along.

 

While these aren’t required, 3½” and 4½” square rulers may speed up the process of trimming and squaring your blocks.  If not, there’s no need to worry. Many quilting rulers have 45 degree lines printed on them. These handy lines are great for helping you to align your seams.

 

Happy Sewing!  Please contact us on Instagram or in our Facebook group and tag us if you get stuck or have questions!